ARC Linkage Project Funding for Portable Asbestos Detection Device
Professor Nigel Spooner and his team from the Prescott Environmental Luminescence Laboratory (PELL) at IPAS have secured $675,816 in funding through the ×îÐÂÌÇÐÄVlogn Research Council Linkage Project to develop a groundbreaking portable device for real-time asbestos detection.
This innovative device, leveraging cutting-edge optical spectrometry, fluorescence, and machine learning technologies developed at PELL, will significantly reduce the need for lengthy lab-based testing. The device will enable on-site asbestos identification in homes, workplaces, recycling centres, and more, helping to mitigate asbestos exposure and improve public health.
PELL is renowned for its world-leading expertise in "Novel Fluorescence" — a breakthrough in non-contact real-time material identification. The project has the potential to deliver both substantial health benefits and economic advantages by streamlining asbestos detection processes.
The team behind this innovation includesÌýProfessor Nigel Spooner,ÌýDr Erik Schartner,ÌýDr Greg Ruthenbeck,ÌýAssociate Professor Sharyn Gaskin,ÌýMr Robert Loughan,ÌýDr Georgia (Frangioudakis) Khatib andÌýDr Mike Whitbread.
The project is being carried out in collaboration with Loughan Technology Group, the Asbestos and Silica Safety and Eradication Agency, and Rio Tinto Exploration.
See theÌýfull listÌýof recipients of theÌýÌý²õ³¦³ó±ð³¾±ð.